£30M-rated Arsenal target has discussed possible move

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Lille winger Nicolas Pepe has stated that he is staying in France for the rest of the season following discussions with his agents and the Ligue One side.

Speaking to TF1 about his future, the Ivory Coast international said that while he had talked about the possibility of moving clubs, he wants to build on his good start to the campaign with Lille:

“I talked a lot with my advisers. I spoke with Luis Campos who brought me to Lille. Also with my family that counts a lot for me, and also with the coach who trusts me. It was important to talk to him. I decided to continue this season at Lille to accomplish a big mission.”

Arsenal are reportedly keen on the midfielder, with the Mirror reporting today that the Gunners are keeping tabs on the wide man, along with Barcelona, Sevilla, Everton and Lyon.

The last club reportedly had a £30m bid accepted by Lille for Pepe in the summer, but the player turned down the move. Asked about whether there was any truth to that claim, Pepe said:

“It is sure that Lyon is a very big club in France. These are things that do not refuse. You know me, I have a career plan. With all the respect I have for OL it’s not something I wanted to go for right away.”

The 23-year-old has been in stunning form in Ligue One this season, having scored five goals and provided five assists in just eight appearances.